Maracatu Nação Estrela Brilhante & Nation Beat

July 24, 2013

In the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Brazil, maracatu groups fill the streets with up to a hundred drummers, call-and-response crowds, and fabulously dressed dancers. Carnival legend Maracatu Nação Estrela Brilhante (“Bright Star Maracatu Nation”) makes its US debut tonight in collaboration with Scott Kettner’s local Nation Beat ensemble. The latter adds a southern tinge to its maracatu, including the fabulous Mardi Gras Indian music of former Wild Magnolias member Big Chief Monk Boudreaux.

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